The Seven Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth—are anchors, guiding me toward a life that resonates with my heart and soul. Reflecting on these teachings, one at a time, feels like a meaningful way to grow and improve. Today, my reflection is on Humility.

In the Plains Cree tradition, Humility is about recognizing our place within the vast circle of life. It teaches us to understand that we are neither above nor below others but part of something much greater. To live with Humility is to live with gratitude, to honor the gifts we’ve been given without arrogance, and to seek balance in how we walk through the world.

Humility asks us to let go of ego and approach life with a quiet awareness of our interconnectedness. It calls us to respect the Creator’s design, to acknowledge the wisdom of the spirits, and to recognize the beauty in all living things. This teaching reminds us that we are stewards of the land, not its rulers, and that true strength lies in humility—not in boasting, but in being open to learning, listening, and growing.

I remember an Elder sharing a story about Humility, speaking with a gentle voice:

_”There was once a fox, clever and quick. It prided itself on its ability to outwit others—the rabbits, the birds, even the wolves. The fox believed it was the wisest and the swiftest of all the creatures, and so it would boast endlessly about its talents.

One day, the fox was challenged by the spirits to a race against the turtle—a slow and humble creature. The fox laughed at the idea, certain it would win. When the race began, the fox darted ahead, confident that its speed would easily carry it to victory. But its arrogance led it astray. It stopped to show off, to mock the turtle’s steady pace, and to prove its superiority to the other animals.

Meanwhile, the turtle moved steadily, without distraction. It understood its limitations but relied on its perseverance and connection to the land. The turtle reached the finish line before the fox, teaching the fox a valuable lesson: that Humility is not weakness—it is strength in knowing who you are and honoring the journey.”_

Reflecting on this teaching, I feel its gentle reminder to let go of comparisons and competition, to embrace the beauty of simply being. Humility asks me to approach life with openness—not striving to prove myself, but trusting in the value of my spirit and the sacredness of my role in Creation.

It feels like an invitation to walk softly, to listen more, and to honor the wisdom that comes from quiet strength. Humility challenges me to let go of the idea that everything must be achieved quickly or perfectly. Instead, it reminds me to find peace in the steady pace of the journey, to step away from the noise of ego, and to trust that my contributions, however small they may seem, are meaningful within the greater whole.

Perhaps Humility is where I need to slow down—to truly see and appreciate the interconnectedness of all things, to find strength in acknowledging both my gifts and my limitations, and to honor the journey as much as the destination.

These reflections on Plains Cree teachings are part of my personal journey to gain clarity and understanding. While these teachings are central to my identity, I recognize there is always more to learn. I encourage you to consult an Elder for accurate guidance, as my interpretations may not always be correct.

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